I thank the anonymous individuals that have left a comment, fave and follow! It's quite cool to see that at least some of you are enjoying the story so far. I will be featuring reviews on new chapters as I go. It'll be a regular thing, and please feel free to ask any questions regarding the story, if you don't understand some parts or why I chose certain paths, I'll be happy to explain!
First review!
Anonymous Reader: Interesting story. Can I guess who voice Marcus? Norman Reedus?
Response: I'm glad you are liking the story so far. That I will have to think about, I haven't thought THAT far of who would voice Marcus, but Norman Reedus does sound like a badass choice. If you can imagine him voicing Marcus as the story goes and it enhances your experience, then you found your answer :)
Second review ^^
Mason W: I love the chemistry between Diane and Marcus, it's just as good as the storytelling! Keep up the great work!
Response: I'm stoked that you like this new pairing. I do admit it's a little intimidating to craft a new narrative for Diane when she is heavily shipped with Wolf but oh well, can't stop now can we? Please enjoy the story as it progresses :)
Without further due, let's move to the story.
The first light of dawn casts a gentle glow over the city as Diane stepped briskly out of her office into the cool morning air. Two sleek black sedans were parked outside, gleaming under the soft light, ready for the day's journey. Marcus, along with another DPS agent, conducted a final visual check of the vehicles before greeting Diane with a respectful nod.
"Morning, Marcus." Diane greeted, her voice carrying a mixture of authority and warmth. "Everything set for our little adventure?"
"Good morning, Governor." Marcus said, his tone both professional and slightly warmer than usual. "Everything's set for our departure, just waiting on you."
Diane smiled subtly, appreciating the blend of efficiency and personal care. "Ready when you are, Marcus. Let's get this show on the road."
As she settles into the back of the lead sedan, Marcus communicated briefly with the driver and the DPS team that was sitting in the second vehicle through his earpiece, confirming that all were synchronized. "Route is confirmed, all units check in." he stated crisply, receiving immediate acknowledgments in return.
The sedans were equipped with standard government plates, not immediately distinguishing them from civilian traffic but known to law enforcement and city traffic control. As they pulled away from the curb, the driver of Diane's sedan turned on a discreet set of lights-small, clear strobes that were hardly noticeable to the untrained eye. These were not the full-blown sirens used in emergencies but were enough to signal their priority on the roads.
Inside the car, the atmosphere was calm, with Diane sitting back while Marcus was beside her, maintaining his vigilant watch. Yet, the quiet of the morning drive lent itself to softer, more personal exchanges.
"You know, in the short time we've been working together, I've always see you in action, Marcus. You're always so focused." Diane began, turning towards him with genuine interest. "What do you find yourself drawn to when you're not on duty? Any hobbies?"
Marcus took a moment before responding, allowing himself to share a bit more than he typically would. "I have a passion for cars." he admitted, a hint of enthusiasm in his voice. "Grew up around them, and now I find freedom behind the wheel of my Civic Type R. It's kinda like...a controlled escape."
Diane's eyes lit up with understanding and amusement. "A controlled escape huh? I like the sound of that. It reminds me, in a way, of my own need for escapes...though mine tend to be more artistic. There's a certain thrill in both, wouldn't you say? Speed on the roads and strokes on a canvas?"
"Indeed." Marcus agreed, showing a rare smile. "Both require a sharp eye and a deep appreciation for detail. Perhaps you could show me some of your favorite artworks sometime?"
"And maybe you'll take me for a spin in that Type R of yours." Diane proposed playfully. "Something tells me it's going be a lot of fun, definitely way more thrilling than my usual art gallery visits."
"It's a deal then, Governor." Marcus responded, his tone reflecting a lightness rarely heard in their formal settings.
After a twenty minute drive with minimal delays, they neared the venue. Marcus gave another update over his earpiece, "Approaching final stretch, all units stay sharp." This final leg of the journey was crucial, as arriving and departing from public events posed the highest risk.
Once at the venue, the sedans pulled into a secured drop-off point, shielded from direct public access. Marcus stepped out first, scanning the area with trained eyes before opening Diane's door. "We're here, Governor. Event security has been briefed, no one's getting in this time."
Diane nods in appreciation and stepped out of the sedan, greeted by the subdued noise of the event already in motion. With Marcus close by her side, she made her way to the entrance, ready to shift from the role of a protected figure to an engaging leader.
The "Hearts United for Hope" charity fair was bursting with life, filled with music, laughter, and the excited voices of children. Diane navigated through the festivities with her natural charm and a deep commitment to the cause, drawing people in with her energetic presence. Marcus, ever vigilant, adapted to the lighter atmosphere, his usual stoic demeanor softened by the joy around them. As they approached a vibrantly decorated mini-golf course, Diane's eyes lit up with mischief. She playfully nudged Marcus, teasing him with a light challenge. "Looks like we've stumbled upon our battlefield for today. What do you say, Marcus? Ready to take a shot at mini-golf? It's all in good fun."
Marcus, slightly taken aback by the governor's casual challenge but amused, replied with a cautious smile. "Well, Governor, I'm trained to handle quite different challenges, but I'm game if you are." Their playful interaction was briefly interrupted by a group of children, drawn to Diane's lively energy. One little girl, emboldened by the governor's approachable demeanor, looked up at Marcus with big eyes. "Miss Governor, is this man your knight?"
Diane chuckled warmly, delighting in the children's curiosity. "Yes, he is. And we're about to see if Marcus here can beat me in mini-golf. What do you think? Does he stand a chance?"
Marcus, kneeling to meet the children's gaze, responded with a gentle tone that rarely surfaced in his professional capacity. "Let's see how this goes. I might just pull off a surprise.
As they played, Marcus's initial swings were awkward, prompting light-hearted laughter from the crowd. Diane, surprisingly adept at the game, scored with ease, her success drawing cheers from the onlookers. The game unfolded with a series of playful taunts and cheers, the children rallying around, fully engaged in the fun. After the game, as they rested on a nearby bench, Diane glanced at Marcus with a grin. "Not bad, Marcus. For a rookie, you've got potential. Might not be a career change in the cards, but you definitely made it fun."
Marcus, watching the children now drawing their day, showed a rare flicker of humor. "It's good to switch things up sometimes, Governor. Today it was mini-golf, tomorrow, back to the real world. But for now, this is pretty awesome."
After their spirited mini-golf duel, Diane and Marcus strolled toward a less bustling corner of the "Hearts United for Hope" charity fair. There, isolated from the cheerful chaos, they noticed a young boy sitting alone on a bench. His slight form seemed almost swallowed by the exuberance around him. Before Diane could even say a word, it was Marcus who approached with a calm, deliberate step that softened the usual intensity of his demeanor. Crouching down to the boy's level, Marcus spoke with a voice that mixed strength with gentleness. "Hey there buddy, looks like you found yourself a nice quiet spot from the party, what's your name?"
The boy lifted his gaze, a mix of awe and hesitation in his eyes. After a short pause, he answered, "I'm Danny." His voice was timid but clear. "Are you some kind of superhero? You sure look like one."
A warm, disarming chuckle escaped Marcus, easing the formality of his usual demeanor. "Well I'm not exactly a superhero, Danny. But I do have a special job—I work to keep people safe, ensuring that everyone can enjoy days like this without any worries."
Intrigue lit up Danny's face as he processed Marcus's words. "So, do you fight bad guys?" he asked, a spark of excitement in his tone.
"Sort of," Marcus replied, his voice now infused with a hint of playfulness. "It's not all about fighting, though. A big part of my job is making sure that bad things don't happen in the first place. It's about being there, keeping a watchful eye, and ensuring that everyone can feel safe and have fun—just like a guardian."
Danny contemplated this new information, his initial caution turning into admiration. "That's really cool!" he said with growing confidence.
Encouraged by the boy's enthusiasm, Marcus smiled genuinely. "What about you, Danny? What do you enjoy doing?"
"I love to draw." Danny responded eagerly, his eyes shining with passion. "I draw superheroes, animals, and sometimes I draw adventures with my mom in the park."
"That's awesome!" Marcus exclaimed, clearly impressed. "You know, keeping your drawings safe so you can keep creating them—that's a bit like my job. I help protect so that people like you can keep doing what they love without any worries."
This comparison seemed to resonate deeply with Danny, who, in a moment of heartfelt appreciation, leaned forward and hugged Marcus. It was a spontaneous gesture of trust and gratitude, recognizing Marcus as a protector in the most genuine sense.
Standing a short distance away, Diane observed the tender scene unfold, her heart stirred by the authenticity and depth of Marcus's interaction with the young boy. As she watched Danny embrace Marcus with unguarded trust, Diane felt a poignant mix of emotions washing over her.
She found herself caught in a tide of reflection, thinking back to her own past shrouded in mystery and danger. During her years as the infamous Crimson Paw, she had spent years eluding law enforcement, her life a constant dance on the edge of shadows, always wary of those who upheld the law. While she never encountered a counter-terrorism unit directly, the stories and rumors she heard about operators like Marcus depicted them as formidable, almost legendary figures—uncompromising guardians of order, relentless in their pursuit of justice.
Yet here he was, embodying none of those fearsome traits. Instead, he provided comfort and security, his actions guided by a compassion that reached far beyond his official duties. Instead, he offered comfort and security, his actions guided by a compassion that transcended the rigid boundaries of his role. This was not the cold enforcer of justice she had imagined; this was a man who, in even the briefest of interactions, offered a sense of profound security that even a child could sense it.
As Diane observed Marcus with Danny, she was struck by the profound disparity between their worlds. Marcus could have been the embodiment of the relentless hunter she had always feared, yet to Danny, he was not a fearsome figure but a protective presence. It was a revelation that dismantled long-held beliefs, illuminating the true nature of those committed to protect and serve. Marcus's actions subtly conveyed to Diane that the world of law enforcement and protection was not devoid of humanity. It was a lesson in understanding that behind the badges and titles were individuals capable of profound kindness.
The quiet reunion of Danny with his relieved mother marked the end of the interaction, but for Diane, the impact of the moment lingered. As they continued to enjoy the event, Diane found herself contemplating the new insights she had gained about the man beside her. Marcus had not only comforted a lost child but had also begun to soften the edges of her deeply ingrained perceptions of law enforcement.
This moment marked a profound shift in Diane's perspective. Marcus had transcended the role of mere protector or operator; he became a beacon of the inherent goodness possible within law enforcement, challenging the brutal myths she had once accepted as the Crimson Paw. Yet, as she reflected on the day's revelations, a flicker of uncertainty began to shadow her newfound insights. Was Marcus's calm and gentle demeanor merely the surface of a more complex, perhaps stormy nature? The notion that beneath his warm exterior might lurk the echoes of the formidable enforcer she had always feared added a thrilling layer of complexity to his character. This enigma drew Diane in, igniting a compelling desire to delve deeper and uncover the true essence of the man who was both her shield and mystery.